Best Places to Live in Georgia
Are you dreaming of moving to Georgia, the Peach State? With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, Georgia has a lot to offer. Whether you’re considering a move with your family, exploring young professionals’ scenes, or planning your dream retirement destination, this guide will help you discover some of the best places to live in the Empire State of the South.
Atlanta: A City of Excitement
The top spot on our list naturally goes to the Atlanta metro area. Atlanta is a vibrant hub for many reasons. It offers a plethora of activities, including a visit to the largest aquarium in the U.S., the Georgia Aquarium, the Coca-Cola museum, and the College Football Hall of Fame, all conveniently located in downtown Atlanta.
One of Atlanta’s gems is the Atlanta BeltLine, a 22-mile paved trail converted from a railroad track, perfect for walking, running, and biking. The BeltLine connects neighborhoods to eateries, breweries, shops, and unique places like Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market.
Sports enthusiasts will rejoice with a choice of professional teams to support, including the Atlanta Braves (MLB), Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Atlanta Hawks (NBA), and Atlanta United FC (MLS). The latter boasts impressive average attendance, making it one of the world’s most well-supported soccer teams.
Art lovers can enjoy the historic Fox Theatre, which hosts live performances and cultural events. Here are some quick stats about the Atlanta metro area:
- Metro Area Population: 6 million
- Median Household Income: $71,742
- Median Monthly Rent: $1,485
- Median Home Price: $389,950
- Average Annual Rainfall: 47 inches
Note: Metro Area Population includes the city along with surrounding urban and suburban areas.
Fulton County: Home to Great Suburbs
Fulton County, which houses major companies like UPS, Chick-fil-A, and Arby’s, offers some of the best places to live in Georgia. Notable cities in Fulton County include Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Midtown, and Roswell. Let’s take a closer look at each:
Alpharetta:
Located in northern Fulton County, Alpharetta is a family-friendly city known for its excellent schools, job opportunities, outdoor activities, and safety. It hosts the Annual Scarecrow Harvest, where the community decorates the city with creatively designed scarecrows. However, the cost of living, including rent, is higher compared to the national median.
Johns Creek:
This northeastern suburb of Atlanta shares qualities with Alpharetta, including good schools, low crime rates, and a diverse community. However, housing costs are relatively high, similar to Alpharetta.
Milton:
Just north of Alpharetta, Milton offers a refreshing small-town feel. With a history rooted in equestrian culture, you might spot neighbors riding horses along the streets. The Crabapple Fest is a highlight of the city’s annual events, showcasing local arts, crafts, and antiques.
Midtown:
If you’re a young professional seeking a vibrant city life, Midtown in Atlanta might be your ideal destination. Known for its nightlife, health and fitness options, and job opportunities, Midtown offers a blend of city living and green spaces, including Piedmont Park.
Roswell:
Located southwest of Alpharetta, Roswell is rich in outdoor spaces, including waterfalls and hiking trails at Old Mill Park. The community gathers annually at Alive in Roswell, a family-friendly block party supporting local vendors in the historic district.
Explore Atlanta Suburbs Beyond Fulton County
Woodstock (Cherokee County): Inside Cherokee County, Woodstock offers a blend of restaurants, galleries, and historic architecture. Shoppers will appreciate the Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. Cherokee County boasts a higher median household income compared to some other areas in Georgia.
Peachtree City (Fayette County):
South of Atlanta, Peachtree City is renowned for its golf cart community and serves as a popular location for movie and TV show productions. While Fayette County’s median monthly rent data is slightly dated, the city offers a unique suburban lifestyle.
Marietta (Cobb County):
Marietta, located northwest of Atlanta, offers close proximity to Six Flags White Water, a popular water park. It’s also home to the Gone With the Wind Museum, celebrating the famous novel and film. Cobb County, where Marietta is situated, boasts a diverse set of attractions.
Beyond Atlanta: Exploring Other Great Georgia Destinations
Athens: Northeast Georgia is home to Athens, a lively college town and the University of Georgia. The Bulldogs’ football spirit is infectious, and the city hosts the thrilling Athens Twilight Criterium cycling race each spring.
Augusta:
Nestled near the South Carolina border, Augusta offers a beautiful riverwalk and is renowned for hosting the Masters Golf Tournament. The Augusta Museum of History celebrates the sport of golf and pays tribute to James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, who grew up in Augusta.
Savannah:
Savannah, a coastal city, stands out as one of Georgia’s beachfront destinations. It’s rich in history and home to the Savannah College of Art and Design, influencing impressive art museums in the area. You might even spot celebrities like Paula Deen or encounter movie locations.
Blue Ridge:
Located in northern Georgia’s Fannin County, Blue Ridge offers a mountain town experience. If you’ve dreamt of retiring to the mountains, this might be the place for you. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railway offers a delightful journey through the countryside on antique trains.
Is Georgia an Affordable Place to Live?
Affordability is a key consideration when moving to a new area. To determine whether you can afford to live in Georgia, research the cost of living, with housing costs being a significant factor. Use the 25% rule, ensuring your housing expenses don’t exceed 25% of your monthly take-home pay.
Ready to Move to Georgia?
If you’ve decided on a specific area in Georgia, your next step is to work with a trusted agent. Our RamseyTrusted program can help you find experienced real estate agents in Georgia who can guide you through the process of finding your new home.
Georgia offers a diverse range of living experiences, from the excitement of Atlanta to the tranquility of mountain towns. With its rich culture, history, and thriving communities, the Peach State welcomes newcomers with open arms. Explore the options, and make Georgia your next h